Susan Bradley
Contributing Writer
Susan Bradley has been patching since before the Code Red/Nimda days and remembers exactly where she was when SQL slammer hit (trying to buy something on eBay and wondering why the Internet was so slow). She writes the Patch Watch column for Askwoody.com, is a moderator on the PatchManagement.org listserve, and writes a column of Windows security tips for CSOonline.com. In real life, she’s the IT wrangler at her firm, Tamiyasu, Smith, Horn and Braun, where she manages a fleet of Windows servers, Microsoft 365 deployments, Azure instances, desktops, a few Macs, several iPads, a few Surface devices, several iPhones and tries to keep patches up to date on all of them. In addition, she provides forensic computer investigations for the litigation consulting arm of the firm. She blogs at https://www.askwoody.com/tag/patch-lady-posts/ and is on twitter at @sbsdiva. She lurks on Twitter and Facebook, so if you are on Facebook with her, she really did read what you posted. She has a SANS/GSEC certification in security and prefers Heavy Duty Reynolds wrap for her tinfoil hat.
With Windows 10 going away, time to get serious about Windows 11
Microsoft last week made it official: there will be no more big updates for Windows 10. Now, companies have to get serious about moving to its successor.
Still using Windows 10 21H2? Time to upgrade
For consumers and smaller businesses, security updates for Windows 10 21H2 will end in June. Here’s how to make sure your systems are on Windows 10 22H2 before support runs out.
Ransomware as a service? Windows users can still fight back.
With Attack Surface Reduction rules in Windows 10 and 11 (and other tweaks), users can make it harder for attackers to succeed.
The ever-evolving software subscription model
Microsoft has been moving to a subscription model for its software for years, and other companies are following suit. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re making a move from perpetual software to an online version.
Software bugs that bug me – and how to swat them down
Sometimes when things go awry in Windows, the easiest fix is to undo the last thing you did. Here’s how to do some sleuthing to (hopefully) find and fix the problem.
How do you want Microsoft updates — in ‘dribbles’ or all at once?
Change is coming to the way Microsoft updates Windows and various apps. Are you ready?
Desktop tweaks in Windows can be fun, but watch out for risks
There have been various ways of customizing the Windows desktop over the years — remember Windows Vista gadgets? But make sure you keep security in mind.
Good-bye, Windows 7
Microsoft's popular operating system aged out of support this month. And while it still has many fans, it's time to move on.
It’s 2023 — time for new Windows hardware?
If the new year means a new Windows laptop, you’ll want to choose smartly. Here’s what to keep in mind if it’s time to upgrade.
The trials and tribulations of Microsoft’s KB5012170 patch
Earlier this year, Microsoft rolled out an update to Secure Boot in Windows systems. It's at best a mixed blessing that can do more harm than good for many users.
Instead of tech gifts, give updates and support
If you're thinking about what tech gifts you can hand out this year, take a step back and think about what's really important: hardware upgrades and tech support.